While it may yet remain one of the poorer countries of the Americas, Nicaragua has experienced a tourism boom during the last decade. Beautiful natural attractions, colonial towns, outdoor adventure and affordable prices are just some of the reasons many tourists are drawn to Central America’s largest country. Home to the region’s largest freshwater lake as well as two expansive coastlines, volcanoes, mountains and forests, Nicaragua guarantees visitors with plenty of exciting sights and activities.
What to See & Do
Nearly a quarter of Nicaragua’s population lives in the capital city, Managua, an urban expanse of tree-lined boulevards and uninspired modern monoliths that almost never seduce visitors into spending more time here than is absolutely necessary. The old towns of Granada and Leon on the other hand sport collections of well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, while Lake Nicaragua and the mountain town of Matagalpa offer volcano hikes and tours to coffee plantations, cloud forests and nature reserves teeming in exotic birds and animals. San Juan del Sur, on the country’s Pacific coast, draws surfers from all over the world with its excellent waves whereas on the opposite side, the Corn Islands present a Caribbean paradise.
What to Eat
Nicaragauan cuisine is often inexpensive and features dishes that are centered around red beans, rice and fish or meat. Enchiladas and tacos stuffed with beef, chicken and cabbage and deep-fried are other widely consumed dishes. Fresh plantains, mangos, papayas and avocados are also part of the Nicaraguan diet.